Travel Phrases — Entry No. 0413
종로
jongno · noun
종로
jongno
[JONG-no]
nounbeginner
Meaning
종로 (Jongno) is Seoul’s historic central district, encompassing Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong’s antique alley, and Cheonggyecheon Stream — the living museum of Korea’s dynastic and modern political history. The name literally means ‘Bell Street,’ named after the massive bronze bell (보신각종) that once regulated Joseon-era daily life by signaling the opening and closing of the city gates.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Jongno’s palaces and hanok-lined streets appear constantly in historical K-Dramas: Mr. Queen, Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, and Kingdom all used Gyeongbokgung and the surrounding Jongno neighborhoods for period-accurate atmosphere. EXO’s Sehun and other idols photographed in hanbok at Bukchon Hanok Village created a viral trend that made Jongno the top destination for K-pop fans seeking traditional Korean aesthetic content.
Example Sentences
종로에 있는 경복궁 꼭 가봐야 해요.
jongno-e inneun gyeongbokgung kkok gabwaya haeyo.
You absolutely must visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno. — ‘꼭 ~해야 해요’ is a strong recommendation structure meaning ‘you really have to’; used when something is non-negotiable.
인사동에서 전통 기념품 샀어요.
insadong-eseo jeontong ginyeompum sasseoyo.
I bought traditional souvenirs in Insadong. — Insadong is Jongno’s famous antiques and crafts street; ‘전통’ (jeontong) means ‘traditional.’
북촌 한옥마을 사진 진짜 예쁘게 나와.
bukchon hanongmaeul sajin jinjja yeppeuge nawa.
Photos at Bukchon Hanok Village come out really beautifully. — ‘나오다’ here means ‘to turn out’ in the context of photos; a common compliment for a scenic location.
⚠️ Don’t use jongno when…
1) Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday — many visitors arrive to find the gates shut, so always verify the current schedule before making it the centerpiece of a day trip. 2) Renting hanbok grants free palace entry, but rental shops close well before the palaces do; confirm your return deadline when you pick up the outfit to avoid a rush.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Mr. Queen — Gyeongbokgung Palace’s throne halls and inner courtyards served as the primary filming location, and the drama’s massive international success directly translated into a surge of global tourists visiting Jongno’s palace district.
- K-Pop: EXO — ‘Growl’ (the music video’s striking corridor aesthetic inspired widespread fan pilgrimages to Bukchon Hanok Village, making Jongno’s traditional streetscapes synonymous with K-pop visual culture)
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.